Just bought an Atomic B2 regulator! I can't wait to dive it! My previous reg, a Sherwood Magnum is now my back-up. Any thoughts or comments?
Atomic B2
- Thread starter SharkDZ
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You wont be disappointed! The B2 is a terrific reg =]
ckjacques53198
Guest
I'm ready to buy my B2 after a lot of research and LDS visits. I can't wait
ronbeau
Contributor
SharkDZ:
I am very happy with my B2. In fact, I just bought a second B2 for my wife who will be taking her OW certifcation course in January.
I am enjoying my new Atomic B2 as well. I've only got 3 dives on it so far and I'm digging it. I've also heard it gets better with time.
My previous reg was an Oceanic Delta 3 TDX5 Titanium reg. There are a few things I like more about the Atomic over the Oceanic such as the Oceanic's propensity for freeflowing near the surface. The B2 hasn't shown that issue yet. I also like how flexible the Atomic first stage is for different configurations and added mobility. It makes the hose routing a little nicer and positioning your primary easier. Also, the swivel is a nice touch for adding comfort and aids in OOA practice making the second stage a little more mobile.
I'm used to using a Seacure mouthpiece, so the stock Atomic mouthpiece is less comfortable to deal with. Since I am using the SS1 now, I don't want to use a molded mouthpiece anymore due to the trouble it would give my buddy in an OOA situtation. I purchased a Dive Rite Long Bite mouthpiece to try next to see if that is more comfortable.
Both regs have an adjustment knob on the second stage. I don't know if they perform the same function, but they appear different. I found myself always adjusting my Oceanic knob throughout the dives. Little more here, little less there and some of that had to do with freeflowing. With the B2, I forget there is a knob on it. It feels fine as it is (I think its wide open) Not sure if that's a nod to the Oceanic or Atomic
The Oceanic seems to deliver more air with less effort than the B2. Meaning (depending on how its set) you ask for a little and get a lot. This is something I have gotten used to and with the B2, its more natural. You seem to get just what you ask for. I think over time I will probably become accustomed to this more natural give and take and possibly prefer it.
As far as breathing performance goes I expected a bigger gap in performance between these two regs based on Atomic's reviews. This was probably just wishful thinking on my part really since it was more expensive To be fair, the Oceanic was my first reg and I've got 35 more dives on than the Atomic, so time may change that opinion. But for now I am still liking the Atomic more.
My previous reg was an Oceanic Delta 3 TDX5 Titanium reg. There are a few things I like more about the Atomic over the Oceanic such as the Oceanic's propensity for freeflowing near the surface. The B2 hasn't shown that issue yet. I also like how flexible the Atomic first stage is for different configurations and added mobility. It makes the hose routing a little nicer and positioning your primary easier. Also, the swivel is a nice touch for adding comfort and aids in OOA practice making the second stage a little more mobile.
I'm used to using a Seacure mouthpiece, so the stock Atomic mouthpiece is less comfortable to deal with. Since I am using the SS1 now, I don't want to use a molded mouthpiece anymore due to the trouble it would give my buddy in an OOA situtation. I purchased a Dive Rite Long Bite mouthpiece to try next to see if that is more comfortable.
Both regs have an adjustment knob on the second stage. I don't know if they perform the same function, but they appear different. I found myself always adjusting my Oceanic knob throughout the dives. Little more here, little less there and some of that had to do with freeflowing. With the B2, I forget there is a knob on it. It feels fine as it is (I think its wide open) Not sure if that's a nod to the Oceanic or Atomic
The Oceanic seems to deliver more air with less effort than the B2. Meaning (depending on how its set) you ask for a little and get a lot. This is something I have gotten used to and with the B2, its more natural. You seem to get just what you ask for. I think over time I will probably become accustomed to this more natural give and take and possibly prefer it.
As far as breathing performance goes I expected a bigger gap in performance between these two regs based on Atomic's reviews. This was probably just wishful thinking on my part really since it was more expensive
To be fair, the Oceanic was my first reg and I've got 35 more dives on than the Atomic, so time may change that opinion. But for now I am still liking the Atomic more.divekatkeens
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I doubt you would actually be able to feel and quantify the difference in breathing performance unless you bring different regs down to very deep depths.
In any case, i still think the M1 outperforms the B2
. Reason being, for both regs the cost is the same, the technical specs of both 1st/2nd stages however differs. I actually see the B2 as costing as much as the M1 only because you are paying more for the swivel hose which does not contribute to breathing performance and reliability. Take away the swivel hose and the M1 will now cost more than the B2 because of its tech specs.
Of cos... i still would pay for the swivel hose, its so darn comfortable!
In any case, i still think the M1 outperforms the B2
. Reason being, for both regs the cost is the same, the technical specs of both 1st/2nd stages however differs. I actually see the B2 as costing as much as the M1 only because you are paying more for the swivel hose which does not contribute to breathing performance and reliability. Take away the swivel hose and the M1 will now cost more than the B2 because of its tech specs.Of cos... i still would pay for the swivel hose, its so darn comfortable!
D
Deleted member 546628
Guest
The B2 is an excellent choice. Mine has been extensively used. No problems even in a sandy environment. You'll be happy with it. Big change from the first Dacor I used.
I now use my B2 as back-up... had to go and spend the $ on a T2.
I now use my B2 as back-up... had to go and spend the $ on a T2.
Follow up post:
After taking my Atomic B2 to Cozumel for the weekend, I am a bigger fan of it now. It worked flawlessly and effortlessly and pretty much made me forget about the reg and just focus on the diving. I also continued using the Atomic mouthpiece and have now grown used to it. We did shore dives in as little as 5 feet and reef dives as deep as 115 feet and the reg felt exactly the same in both places.
My GF had a few issues with her Oceanic GT-3 (similar to Delta 3) though. She said there was a noticeable difference in reg performance at different depths. Periodically I would see her attempting to adjust her reg at depth to compensate. It also developed a whistle at the first stage. She already returned one reg for doing that and now the replacement is doing it as well. At this point, she is thinking about a different reg all together. I will probably recommend an Atomic Z2 to her
My Atomic SS1 also worked very well. We did a couple of OOA practices and all went well. And I really prefer the SS1 design for regular inflator use as well, very intuitive. This trip made me a bigger proponent of the Atomic reg products.
After taking my Atomic B2 to Cozumel for the weekend, I am a bigger fan of it now. It worked flawlessly and effortlessly and pretty much made me forget about the reg and just focus on the diving. I also continued using the Atomic mouthpiece and have now grown used to it. We did shore dives in as little as 5 feet and reef dives as deep as 115 feet and the reg felt exactly the same in both places.
My GF had a few issues with her Oceanic GT-3 (similar to Delta 3) though. She said there was a noticeable difference in reg performance at different depths. Periodically I would see her attempting to adjust her reg at depth to compensate. It also developed a whistle at the first stage. She already returned one reg for doing that and now the replacement is doing it as well. At this point, she is thinking about a different reg all together. I will probably recommend an Atomic Z2 to her
My Atomic SS1 also worked very well. We did a couple of OOA practices and all went well. And I really prefer the SS1 design for regular inflator use as well, very intuitive. This trip made me a bigger proponent of the Atomic reg products.
Jarrett:I am enjoying my new Atomic B2 as well. I've only got 3 dives on it so far and I'm digging it. I've also heard it gets better with time.
My previous reg was an Oceanic Delta 3 TDX5 Titanium reg. There are a few things I like more about the Atomic over the Oceanic such as the Oceanic's propensity for freeflowing near the surface. The B2 hasn't shown that issue yet. I also like how flexible the Atomic first stage is for different configurations and added mobility. It makes the hose routing a little nicer and positioning your primary easier. Also, the swivel is a nice touch for adding comfort and aids in OOA practice making the second stage a little more mobile.
I'm used to using a Seacure mouthpiece, so the stock Atomic mouthpiece is less comfortable to deal with. Since I am using the SS1 now, I don't want to use a molded mouthpiece anymore due to the trouble it would give my buddy in an OOA situtation. I purchased a Dive Rite Long Bite mouthpiece to try next to see if that is more comfortable.
Both regs have an adjustment knob on the second stage. I don't know if they perform the same function, but they appear different. I found myself always adjusting my Oceanic knob throughout the dives. Little more here, little less there and some of that had to do with freeflowing. With the B2, I forget there is a knob on it. It feels fine as it is (I think its wide open) Not sure if that's a nod to the Oceanic or Atomic
The Oceanic seems to deliver more air with less effort than the B2. Meaning (depending on how its set) you ask for a little and get a lot. This is something I have gotten used to and with the B2, its more natural. You seem to get just what you ask for. I think over time I will probably become accustomed to this more natural give and take and possibly prefer it.
As far as breathing performance goes I expected a bigger gap in performance between these two regs based on Atomic's reviews. This was probably just wishful thinking on my part really since it was more expensive
ChrisEdwards
Guest
I'm a total newbie, 6 dives, woohoo!, plus about 8 hours in a pool.
I bought myself a B2 and a Z2 as an Octo. It's amazing that you don't feel like you are breathing through a mechanical device.
Switching between the B2 to Z2 at 60fsw, I could not tell the difference.
I bought a Z2 and Z2 as octo setup for my Son.
I bought myself a B2 and a Z2 as an Octo. It's amazing that you don't feel like you are breathing through a mechanical device.
Switching between the B2 to Z2 at 60fsw, I could not tell the difference.
I bought a Z2 and Z2 as octo setup for my Son.
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